looking for a great ISD in Houston area (Katy: school district, best)

[ayannaaaliyah]

Well I suppose here is some proof of what I've been saying. The only thing is that the article is just about Texas students, while I firmly believe that this is a nationwide problem.

AUSTIN — Texas high school graduates enter college far less ready for the harder course load than other students, according to new research that shows nearly half of the state's college freshmen take remedial classes.

Panel: Many Texas grads not ready for college | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle (broken link)

[Chinadoll]

As a former educator in Galena Park ISD and others in the area I have to say that the areas are subpar to make a huge understatement. Having lived in the are for the majority of my life, I've witnessed the spiraling decline. Most money is spent on ESL (English as a second language)Programs while gifted and talented students are largely underserved.

This decline started in 1982 with the closing of Armco Steel. Many steelworkers lost their homes and were forced to live in a tent city near the San Jacinto River.

Moderator cut: OT
There is an article in the Houston Chronicle Houston news, entertainment, search and shopping | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle identifying school districts designated as "Drop Out Factories." Many are in the area. I tend to agree since I had 3 siblings drop out due to problems such as having surgery and not being assigned a home bound teacher, suffering beatings at school and the school not stopping the problem and other serious issues. My relatives pay more property and school taxes than River Oaks (the richest neighborhood in Houston) and the schools are much worse.

Most people I know have moved out since schools are getting deep in debt with bonds and raising school taxes. Others have resorted to homeschooling.

There is also severe pollution due to chemical plants and refineries and my entire family has serious health problems as a result.

I hope the situations turns around but I don't see it happening.

I have friends with kids in Katy ISD who also aren't thrilled either so there's no perfect district, they all have problems. Just choose what you want to deal with. Good luck.

[Chinadoll]

Originally Posted by saniyya

How's the Conroe ISD?

BAD - recruiting teachers from Mexico to teach students. Google them.

[Vicman]

Originally Posted by Chinadoll

BAD - recruiting teachers from Mexico to teach students. Google them.

The University of Texas at Austin :: K-16 Education Center :: LUCHA Program :: Educational News lists other districts that do that.

[Mom2Feebs]

I'm one of the ones who passed the GT test with flying colors and was unfortunately turned down due to size of the class. It was Humble ISD and 1981 (5th grade). It was hugely embarrassing for me (as everyone found out I did not get in) and scarred me emotionally until I was significantly older. No one, not even my parents (who were just steamed at the time about it) took the time to explain to me that I had NOT failed it. Only when I was in my mid-twenties and my mom and I were discussing it and my subsequent academic/behavioral issues did she reveal what really happened. She had NO idea I did not know--she thought I was told, by either my teacher or by her. I just sat there in shock. It's amazing how something like that can affect you so dramatically for so long. I often wonder how different I would be today had I never thought all that time I just wasn't smart enough and had known the truth.

I've let it go now, but if my daughters are ever tested for any program, I think we'll skip it.

[Mom2Feebs]

Originally Posted by ayannaaaliyah

Well I suppose here is some proof of what I've been saying. The only thing is that the article is just about Texas students, while I firmly believe that this is a nationwide problem.

AUSTIN — Texas high school graduates enter college far less ready for the harder course load than other students, according to new research that shows nearly half of the state's college freshmen take remedial classes.

Panel: Many Texas grads not ready for college | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle (broken link)

Oh, this is absolutely true. My hubby teaches 1st-yr Biology part-time at HCC and he is stunned at the lack of education, the lack of English spoken, and the expectation/entitlement mentality from the high school kids coming in. They ask for make-up tests constantly, extra time on labs, and other "favors" that are downright laughable. He has the same answer for all: "This is college, folks. You should be ready for this, and if you're not, go back and yell at your high school principal for not preparing you. Don't come to me and complain about it."

[Vicman]

This is why most teachers at my (former) high school had a "no late work" policy - And at my university some teachers take late work with penalties... it goes to show that harsher HS policies help make more disciplined students. I am glad that I am used to "no late work" now that I am a university freshman.

Originally Posted by Mom2Feebs

Oh, this is absolutely true. My hubby teaches 1st-yr Biology part-time at HCC and he is stunned at the lack of education, the lack of English spoken, and the expectation/entitlement mentality from the high school kids coming in. They ask for make-up tests constantly, extra time on labs, and other "favors" that are downright laughable. He has the same answer for all: "This is college, folks. You should be ready for this, and if you're not, go back and yell at your high school principal for not preparing you. Don't come to me and complain about it."

[dianajohnson]

u can try humble isd and cy-fair isd they are both wonderful district that offer everything that you can possible think of..

[ayannaaaliyah]

Originally Posted by Mom2Feebs

I'm one of the ones who passed the GT test with flying colors and was unfortunately turned down due to size of the class. It was Humble ISD and 1981 (5th grade). It was hugely embarrassing for me (as everyone found out I did not get in) and scarred me emotionally until I was significantly older. No one, not even my parents (who were just steamed at the time about it) took the time to explain to me that I had NOT failed it. Only when I was in my mid-twenties and my mom and I were discussing it and my subsequent academic/behavioral issues did she reveal what really happened. She had NO idea I did not know--she thought I was told, by either my teacher or by her. I just sat there in shock. It's amazing how something like that can affect you so dramatically for so long. I often wonder how different I would be today had I never thought all that time I just wasn't smart enough and had known the truth.

I've let it go now, but if my daughters are ever tested for any program, I think we'll skip it.

Exactly what I've been saying to any and all posters asking about GT for their children. GT in public schools is a huge joke and you are ABSOLUTELY correct, it can destroy a childs' self esteem to think that they aren't smart enough to take "advanced" courses. I'm glad that I did what I did, removed my child from such a screwed up system. I can only hope that she continues to thrive and do well, while taking advantage of the great education she's receiving.

Mom2Feebs, I'm happy that you continued to thrive despite what happened.

[Mr. Football]

It's not really the "district" since all have their good and bad areas.

In general though:

Klein, Cy-Fair, Conroe, Katy, Humble, Spring Branch, Clear Creek, Friendswood and Fort Bend are fairly well-regarded ISD's. I'm sure I left out a few.